NOT Your Father's SuperCub -- CubCrafters Is Introducing Its New FAA Type Certificated XCub

Big News! CubCrafters says their new Certified XCub is lighter, faster and stronger than any aircraft in its category. They also say it provides a larger payload and greater range which results in a much wider mission profile.

"Six years ago I imagined a Part 23 certified Carbon Cub,” recalls Jim Richmond, CubCrafters’ CEO. “Our development team set out to design a Cub with terrific STOL capabilities, like our Carbon Cub LSA, but one that could travel faster and farther, while easily accommodating all of the gear that a pilot and passenger might want to carry for an extended journey. Now, after receiving Type Certification from FAA, I’m proud to say that XCub is much, much more than I had even hoped it would be.”

CubCrafters says their new XCub offers a cruising speed over 145 miles per hour at 75% power, and a useful load of up to 1,084 pounds with a maximum gross weight of 2,300 pounds. It is powered by a 180 horsepower Lycoming 0-360 that drives a Hartzell Trailblazer constant-speed composite propeller.

To refine handling, CubCrafters says they completely re-engineered the ailerons and the way pilots interact with them. Roll response was optimized by modifying the aileron airfoil and cove, and by repositioning the hinge lines. Traditional cables and pulleys were replaced with a solid push-rod system. The ailerons are crisp, quick, and light, complemented by what they say is an equally pleasing pitch response and rudder authority. CubCrafters says the resulting control harmony makes this the most balanced Cub ever.

They say the aircraft is designed to give pilot and passenger the comfort and confidence needed for long cross-country flights. It has a high seat positioning, low side windows, a large skylight, and a low-profile instrument panel.

They offer an Ahtanum Interior Package that features Scottish leather seats for both pilot and passenger. The seats have perforated leather inserts over memory foam cushions, contrast stitching and embroidered logos. It has 12 storage areas surrounding the cabin which includes two bottle holders, four USB ports and two 12V power ports. They tell us an electronics console faces the rear seat and holds personal devices such as telephones or tablets.

“XCub is not just a new airplane; it is a new platform upon which we can build different configurations to fulfil different missions,” says company President, Randy Lervold. An example of XCub’s configurability is presented in the landing gear options.

“Owners may choose legacy gear to achieve the lightest possible weight, or spring gear that provides better aerodynamics and speed,” Lervold says.

“XCub checks every box on a bush pilot’s wish list,” Lervold continues, “STOL performance, useful load, speed and range.  However, the thing I find special about XCub is the way it flies. With all new flight control surfaces, smooth push-pull aileron control rods and a host of exclusive aerodynamic enhancements, XCub exhibits precise handling and extraordinary flight harmony. This bird is a joy to fly, whether the journey is short or long.”

CubCrafters tells us they are offering the first 20 XCubs in a limited Launch Edition for just under $300K. The Launch Edition has special introductory pricing and includes the Launch Edition paint scheme and branding, as well as a premium Ahtanum leather interior package at no extra charge. XCub is available from CubCrafters Certified Sales Centers.

(Image provided in CubCrafters press release)

FMI: www.xcub.com